Alumni Welcome Largest Class to Graduate from UNCW

As students across campus spend hours preparing for final exams, 2,100 of our Seahawks are only steps away from an achievement of a lifetime—college graduation. Four departmental commencement ceremonies, honoring more than 1,800 undergraduate students and nearly 300 graduate students, will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14 in Trask Coliseum. For graduates that are interested in purchasing a keepsake of their ceremony, DVDs are available from the alumni office.

The Alumni Association will be starting off this exciting weekend by hosting a Commencement Celebration at the Wise Alumni House on Thursday, May 12. The graduates, along with family and friends, are invited to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and tour the historic mansion while getting to know Alumni Association Board Members.

We are proud to welcome the Class of 2011 as they join the ranks of over 57,000 UNCW alumni and look forward to seeing each of these new faces at upcoming events!

Young Alumnae See No Limits, Open Cupcake Store and Start Local Adventure Race

What's the connection between delicious cupcakes and the addictive sport of adventure racing? Well, there's actually two- Kristen Beckmeyer '01 and Meredith Sullivan '01. The Cameron School of Business graduates opened their first cupcake store, Coastal Cupcakes in downtown Wilmington in July, 2008. Fueled by its success, a second store opened in Wrightsville Beach in May, 2009. Now, ready to take on more of the local action, the pair teamed up with fellow alumnus, Jason Wheeler '99, '03M, to form the Sandman Adventure Race.

Much like when they realized that Wilmington had a shortage of designer, quality-made cupcakes, the women saw a gap in the market and started the local "sprint" race. "Many of our friends were interested in doing an adventure race but were intimidated by the 8-12 hour races that we compete in," explained Kristen.

The pair has their share of experience on and off the field. Kristen worked for the Wilmington Hammerheads, while Meredith was on the UNCW Cross Country and Track & Field teams and held an internship with both Seahawk Athletics and the Boston Celtics.

While the two stay focused on their business, Kristen agrees with Meredith about the importance of networking. "My time at UNCW was a great foundation but the university has become an even more valuable resource for us since graduating," she stated.

They continue to be members of the Seahawk Club and enjoy watching games on campus. Staying connected with the business school, they are mentors and share their journey to becoming business owners with current students.

Alumna Manages National Marketing Firm and Big Name Accounts From the Port City

"We all have limited time and limited energy - put yours where it matters most." This lesson that Trudy Maus '91, '97M learned from one of her business courses at UNCW has made a big impact on her career. Using a cost-benefit comparison when faced with decisions and tasks has led Trudy to become a co-owner of BannerDirect, a New York City based marketing agency.

When Trudy reflects back on why she decided to attend UNCW she states, "I wanted my professors to know my name - I didn't want to be just a number. I researched several "smaller" universities in North Carolina and toured a few campuses. When I arrived at UNCW, I immediately fell in love."

Starting as a Psychology major, then switching to Mathematics and later Finance, Trudy realized her passion lies in Marketing after taking a required course. "It combined all the majors I was considering... Psychology (what makes consumers tick), Mathematics and Finance (sales/budgets/ROI)." Shortly after receiving her undergraduate degree, she began working with BannerDirect, out of their Wilmington office. "It was the best of both worlds - I worked on large accounts in New York City, while being able to stay in Wilmington."

When addressing challenges in her field Trudy states, "Marketing agency work involves long hours, tight deadlines and a lot of travel. It gets the adrenaline going, but you need to be prepared to re-schedule vacations and spend Christmas Eve snowed in at the airport. Flexibility is key to surviving and thriving in marketing."

Trudy enjoys coming back to campus to see its growth while still maintaining the "most beautiful campus in North Carolina". She's actively involved on the Alumni Board of Directors and encourages others to stay engaged with the university. "UNCW gave me a great education in which to build my career. I enjoy seeing this impact on future graduates."

Recent Graduate Works to Help Create Local Jobs, Enhance K-12 Education and Foster an Entrepreneurial Environment

Fresh out of labs and study sessions, Sallie Smyth '08, '10M who received her MPA from UNCW last May, is putting her knowledge to good use for our region. As program coordinator for Cape Fear Future, Sallie describes it as a natural fit, "Cape Fear Future is about job creation, business and employee retention, K-12 education enhancement, quality of life, and fostering an entrepreneurial environment. I collaborate with local, state, and federal government, the private sector, the community, tri-county school systems and other nonprofits. My education integrated these different sectors into our studies because when it comes to policy, management, and economic development, all these components come together and play a part."

Sallie came to UNCW to study political science. By the second week of classes she had attended her first City Council meeting and made plans to buy a home in Wilmington. Working on campus and also interning with the City of Wilmington, she admittedly developed a, "lifetime commitment to a community I have fallen in love with".

Sallie deems networking as one of the things she learned at UNCW that has most benefitted the start of her career. She continues to grow her networks at events hosted by UNCW's Entrepreneurship Center. "The director, Jonathan Rowe Ph.D, hosts multiple events for young entrepreneurs and business students. It’s great to get out there and see their youthfulness, enthusiasm and hard work rolled into a professional business model." Another way she enjoys staying connected to UNCW is by, "going back  to Leutze Hall and visiting with my professors—they really helped shape me as a person and have continued to reach out during my post-graduate career. I cannot thank them enough for their ongoing support and guidance."

Business Executive and Civic Leader Shares Insight on How We Can Impact Our Local Economy

Vice president at John S. Clark Co., Livian Jones '95M, believes in giving back to her community. The Charlotte native earned a criminal justice and pre-law degree from Appalachian State University before moving to Wilmington to complete an MBA from UNCW. Livian has been in the construction and engineering industry for more than 20 years and stays actively involved in numerous community and civic organizations.

Alumni and members of the community will have an opportunity to hear Livian present on our individual impact on local economic development at the next CSB Alumni Chapter Speaker Breakfast on April 7. Guests will enjoy a networking breakfast before the presentation in the Burney Center on UNCW's campus. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online prior to April 3.

Livian has stayed connected with UNCW as a former member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Foundation Board. Locally she has helped lead two "Women's Build" Habitat Houses, served as a commissioner on the Wilmington Housing Authority and on the commissioning committee of both the SSN North Carolina Submarine and USS Gravely Destroyer. In addition to serving on many local organizations' board of directors, such as the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Child Advocacy (CAPP), and the Cape Fear Council Boy Scouts, she founded and operates her own non-profit, Furniture Finders, which provides basic furnishings for underprivileged families. 

Announcing the 2011 CSB Outstanding Alumni of the Year

Business Week is an exciting and informational annual event hosted by UNCW’s Cameron School of Business. One of the most significant aspects of the week is the Alumni & Retired Faculty Mixer on Tuesday, March 1st at 5:30 pm in the CIS Lobby. The mixer will include complimentary food and drinks while guests network and celebrate the 2011 CSB Outstanding Alumni of the Year honorees.

The 2011 recipients are Donis Noe Smith '86, '94M; Gareth Montague-Smith '96, '97M; and Judy R. Tharp '78. Each one has been chosen because of their successes following graduation from UNCW.

Donis Noe Smith has been a wealth advisor with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney for 15 years. She graduated from UNCW in 1986 with a B.S. in marketing and then received her MBA from UNCW in 1994. Donis earned the Certified Financial Planner^TM Practitioner designation in 2003 and Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Advisor designation in 2007. Donis is a member of the New Hanover County Estate Planning Council and the Investors Roundtable of Wilmington. Donis is a past chair of the UNCW Alumni Association Board of Directors and also served on the CSB Alumni Chapter Board of Directors. She currently mentors business students as a member of the Cameron Executive Network.

Gareth Montague-Smith is an Audit Senior Manager with KPMG’s Raleigh, NC office. Gareth joined KPMG in September 1997, after completing an undergraduate degree and Masters of Science in Accounting in 1997. Gareth spent 11 years with KPMG in Raleigh working on some of the firms largest global public and non-public companies. More recently, he was nominated to spend two years working in one of KPMG’s national offices. Gareth is a CPA in both North Carolina and New Jersey and holds membership in the UNCW Accounting & Business Law/Master of Science in Accounting Advisory Board, the American Institute of CPA's, the New Jersey Society of CPA's, the North Carolina Association of CPA's, the North Carolina Association of CPA's Accounting and Attestation Board, and is a board member of Be Active NC.

Judy Tharp's career in credit unions began in Wilmington in 1979 after her graduation from UNCW in 1978. She started Cape Fear Employees' Credit Union, for the employees of the E.I. duPont deNemours plant. Judy served as the first President/CEO of the credit union until 1994. In the years since, she has served in executive positions for two credit unions in South Carolina. Additionally, she served as an officer of CUNA Mutual Group, a national multi-billion dollar financial products and insurance company, where she oversaw lending strategy and solution development for the company. Judy has been very active in the Credit Union Executive Society, the NC Credit Union League, First Carolina Corporate Credit Union and Credit Union National Association. Currently, she serves as Vice-Chair of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, and serves on the Board of the Carolinas Credit Union Service Corporation. Judy was voted North Carolina’s ‘Credit Union Person of the Year’ in 1994 and is currently the President/CEO of Piedmont Advantage Credit Union.

To meet these outstanding alumni, register for the mixer online at www.uncw.edu/csbtix.

UNCW’s Cameron School of Business Hosts 29th Annual Business Week

It’s that time again! UNCW’s Cameron School of Business holds the 29^th annual Business Week. Alumni are invited to take part in events on March 1st and 2nd. The highlight of the week is the Alumni and Retired Faculty Mixer on Tuesday, March 1 at 5:30pm in the Computer Information Systems lobby. This event will be lots of fun and a great opportunity for alumni to catch up with former CSB friends and professors! The night will also include the presentation of the 2011 Outstanding Business Alumni of the Year awards.

The week-long event features a bevy of speakers who have experience in the fields of business, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, information technologies, and more. As a current student, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing,  I have come to realize the importance of Business Week. My classmates and I will be given the opportunity to learn about many facets of the business world and all that we have to look forward to. My time in the Cameron School of Business has been tremendously positive and I look to Business Week as another insightful experience that will aid and carry me into my future.

When I asked Meghan MacDonald ‘09  how she felt about being one of this year's speakers, she responded with, "Business Week is a great opportunity for the community and the university. As a student I was able to attend seminars that were of interest to my career path, be a student host, and foster relationships that continue to be an important part of my life today. As an alumna of the business school and participant of business week, I hope to be able to assist and guide students as other business leaders did for me."

Kristen Beckmeyer ’01, former CSB student and owner of Coastal Cupcakes, puts it nicely, “I first spoke at Business Week in 2009 and really enjoyed getting back on campus and interacting with the students. It was amazing to see how things have changed since I was a student. One of the great things about living in Wilmington is the ability to get and stay involved with UNCW. Giving back to your alma mater isn't just about writing a check. Sometimes your time and experience means the most."

- Krista Little, Business Student & Alumni Relations Intern